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Green drive in full swing

VISAKHAPATNAM: As many as 40 lakh saplings have been planted in Visakhapatnam district till now during the current financial year. According to Divisional Forest Officer of Social Forestry Wing, I.K.V. Raju, 35 lakh casurina, three lakh eucalyptus and two lakh other varities like kanuga, mango, badam and sampangi saplings were planted. Disclosing this at the 58th Vanamahotsavam Day on Monday, he said that the saplings were distributed among small and marginal farmers and also on highways as part of the social forestry programme. The plantation of saplings programme would continue till the end of the month of August, he added.

V-C’s call

Andhra University Vice-Chancellor L. Venugopal Reddy who participated in the Vanamahotsavam celebrations organised by the Fine Arts department, suggested developing the department area with full of trees. He planted saplings on the occasion. Addressing the students of the department, he said every person had a responsibility to protect the plants. He also explained the fruits and gains that could be reaped when they grew as big trees. Registrar of Andhra University Vijaya Prakash, Conservator of Forests B. Trinatharao, Conservator P.V. Padmanabham, Divisional Forest Officers P. Vijaykar and IKV Raju also planted saplings. In all about 100 saplings were planted. Fine Arts Department’s Administrative Officer Patnaik, personnel of Forest Department and others participated in the programme.